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Threads #214, Summer 2021

Time for Color | Letter from the Editor

Late in the process of creating each issue, we have an important ritual, the layout review or “wall walk.” Before the coronavirus pandemic, it was an in-person team review of…

    Departments

  • tools for creasing fabric

    Tools That Give Fabric a Clean Crease

    Sewers through the centuries have always needed the means to mark stitching lines, fold hems, flatten seams, and perform other basic tasks in garment construction. Over time, implements were invented…

  • sewing notions

    Sewing Notions to Try Now

    Hands-free video control If you have ever experienced the frustration of trying to keep up with an online sewing video while you learn a new technique, the Vidami Video Looper…

  • Bridal designer Jude Jowilson's

    Bridal designer Jude Jowilson's gowns feature exquisite details

    Jude Jowilson knew at an early age, while sewing at his grandmother’s side in the Philippines, fashion was in his future. “When I was 14 or 15, I made my…

  • croquis cutout

    Sewing Tip: Cutout Croquis

    My body is asymmetrical due to scoliosis, and photos help me understand fit. I took photos in close-fitting clothes and printed them. I then made a personal croquis by cutting…

    Q&A

  • Fitting a vest to an asymmetric body

    Q&A: Fitting a Vest to an Asymmetric Body

    READERS’ QUESTIONS – EXPERT ANSWERS Q: Can you help me with fitting adjustments for people with scoliosis or other body curvatures? My son has extremely uneven shoulders, different length sides,…

  • Get a handle on fabric “hand”

    Q&A: Get a Handle on Fabric “Hand”

    READERS’ QUESTIONS – EXPERT ANSWERS Q: What exactly is a fabric’s “hand”? Is there a scientific way to describe or quantify it? —Natalie Burch, via email A: The Threads editors…

  • Pull needles through multiple layers

    Q&A: How to Pull Needles through Multiple Layers

    Q: I’ve been struggling with some hand sewing. When the needle has to pass through many layers, I can’t get a strong grip on it to pull it out on…

    Embellishments

  • Concentrated instant-set dyes, like the Colorhue line, can be diluted and mixed for custom shades.

    Choose a Protein-specific Dye

    When it comes to dyeing, there is one thing you must know about your fabric: fiber content. The chemical makeup of the fiber determines which types of dyes can be…

  • Tie-dye silk to create artistic, all-over designs

    Tie-dye Silk to Create Artistic, All-over Designs

    If you love the free-form look and fun hues of tie-dye, consider applying the technique to a fabric that’s more sophisticated than a cotton T-shirt: Try dyeing pure silk. I’ll…

    Online extras

  • Sleeveless Summer Dress | 360-Degree View

    Sleeveless Summer Dress | 360-Degree View

    A feminine design with interesting bodice details, Butterick 6761 offers two sleeveless dresses of midcalf length. Each has a fitted bodice and gathered skirt, making each option a smart basic…

  • Fit to Be Tied

    Make a Simple Sarong

    Sarongs have an exotic and feminine look. An unstructured wrap sarong is a garment that you can make without a pattern and wear several ways.

  • Patterns for a Core Four Wardrobe

    Find patterns to create a capsule of wardrobe pieces that mix and match and, when paired with accent pieces, create many outfits.

    How Did They Sew That

  • Attach sequin trim by hand or machine

    Attach Sequin Trim by Hand or Machine

    A circa 1966 French shift walks the line between whimsy and sophistication, with its embroidered sequin motifs of varied sizes. The oversized sequins, applied in scattered concentric circles, catch the…

    Sewing Saves

  • Attach a patch pocket without visible stitches

    Attach a Patch Pocket Without Visible Stitches

    When you feature patch pockets on a garment that doesn’t lend itself to visible topstitching, the usual method is to line the pocket, then hand-sew it in place. A hand-sewn…

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